Donald Trump shooting RECAP: Everything we know about 'ex-Trump supporter' suspect Ryan Wesley Routh (original) (raw)
Suspect Ryan Routh, 58, was once a supporter of Donald Trump, who told supporters he is 'safe and well' after gunshots were fired near his golf club in West Palm Beach, Florida
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One person in custody after 'Trump security incident'
Ryan Wesley Routh was detained after gunshots were fired near Donald Trump's golf course in Florida on Sunday, in a second shooting incident involving the ex - and possibly future - president.
Routh, 58, reportedly hid in the bushes outside the West Palm Beach golf club, where Secret Services opened fire after an AK-47 rifle was spotted poking through a fence line. His vehicle was later swarmed by police on the nearby I-95 highway.
Trump said he is "safe and well" after the incident and declared he will "always love" his supporters. It was later reported he was formerly a supporter for the Republican nominee in 2016 and was recently taking part in pro-Ukraine activism, which included him at travelling to the country to fight.
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15:21Antony Clements-Thrower
Fewer agents protecting Trump as he is not sitting president
The shooter managed to get close to Trump as there were fewer Secret Service agents protecting Trump as he is not the sitting president.
As the former commander and chief, he still has some armed guards at all times looking out for him.
However, Rick Bradshaw, sheriff of Palm Beach County, said as he is not currently president - a job he is campaigning to get back - security is “limited” to areas the Secret Service deem acceptable.
Otherwise, the entire golf course would have been lined with law enforcement officers who would have been “out of sight”.
15:01Susie Beever
Trump shooting suspect weirdly cut grass with scissors in Kyiv independence square
Suspect Ryan Wesley Routh was pictured using gardening scissors to trim the grass on Kyiv's independence square in central Ukraine in a bizarre stunt.
The 58-year-old has already been touted as an oddball by neighbours, while it has also emerged he had made failed attempts to join Ukraine's army in the fight against Russia.
But at one point he took his campaigning efforts to another level, as he bizarrely started cutting the grass in Kyiv's independence square using gardening scissors. He told Newsweek Romania that the war was a simple case of good versus evil.
Ryan Wesley Routh pays tribute to foreign citizens killed during Russia-Ukraine war in a central square in Kyiv (
Image:
AP)
14:46Susie Beever
Routh 'wrote book on Ukraine war'
Suspect Ryan Routh wrote a self-published book on the Ukraine conflict, it has emerged.
The Kindle ebook, titled 'Ukraine's Unwinnable War', was published in February last year one year on from Putin's invasion, according to its listing on Amazon.
In its listing, the books description hails the work as "so important" as it was "imperative for the world that [Ukraine] do win".
14:29Susie Beever
Trump 'joked about not being able to finish under par' after assassination attempt
The presidential candidate made jokes as he was whisked away from the golf course where shots were fired on Sunday, a friend has said.
According to friend and Fox News presenter Sean Hannity, the 78-year-old had been on the fifth hole when Secret Service agents pounced and he was put into a car. He later joked to allies how he had been disappointed not to finish his round or shoot under par.
Hannity said Trump told him: "I was even and I had a birdie putt."
A sheriff blocks the street outside the Trump International Golf Club in West Palm Beach, Florida (
Image:
AFP via Getty Images)
14:11Benedict Tetzlaff-Deas
Suspect Routh was 'rejected by Ukraine army'
A Ukrainian army official who met the Trump shooting suspect while he was in the country has described him as being "full of s**t and hot air".
It has emerged that in 2022, suspect Ryan Routh had travelled to Ukraine to help fight the Russian invasion - but according to members of the nation's foreign legion, he was never officially a part of the unit and became a nuisance. He is said to have repeatedly told the army of his far-fetched plans to recruit "hundreds" of refugees from Afghanistan and Syria to fight, despite being told that they were not interested.
13:58Benedict Tetzlaff-Deas
Presidential campaigns continue after second 'assassination attempt'
Both main US presidential candidates look to be continuing their campaigns on normal after Sunday's 'attempted assassination' on Donald Trump.
On Monday night, Trump is expected to speak about cryptocurrency live on the social media site X for the launch of his sons' crypto platform.
This will be followed by an expected return to the campaign trail on Tuesday for a town hall in Flint, Michigan.
He also has appearances slated later this week in New York, Washington and North Carolina.
Vice President Kamala Harris, meanwhile, is set to meet with the International Brotherhood of Teamsters at the 1.3 million-member group's headquarters in Washington on Monday as the Democratic presidential nominee hopes to secure another labour union's endorsement.
13:49Zahra Khaliq
Trump shooting suspect posted video of himself in Ukraine
The suspect of an alleged assassination attempt on Donald Trump posted a video of himself in Ukraine campaigning for foreign fighters to help battle in the war against Russia.
Ryan Wesley Routh, 58, was detained after gunshots were fired near Donald Trump's golf course in Florida on Sunday. He had reportedly hidden in the bushes outside the West Palm Beach golf club, where Secret Services opened fire after an AK-47 rifle was spotted poking through a fence line. His vehicle was later swarmed by police on the nearby I-95 highway.
Trump shooting suspect Ryan Wesley Routh posted video of himself in Ukraine
13:41Susie Beever
AK-47 used in Trump second 'assassination bid'
The rifle used in the suspected assassination attempt on Donald Trump is a legal weapon in Florida which is not renowned for accuracy in assassination attempts.
Authorities in Florida seized an AK-47 after the arrest of suspect Ryan Wesley Routh after shots were fired at Trump International Golf Course while the former president was golfing on Sunday. The 78-year-old was unharmed in the incident.
AK-47s are one of the most widely used semi-automatic weapons in the world, and are legal to own with a licence in Florida. Fully automatic models however are only allowed under very specific restrictions.
AK-47 used in Trump second 'assassination bid' is world's assault rifle of choice
13:18Benedict Tetzlaff-Deas
Suspect's tweets at Trump and other US political figures
In June 2020, he made a post on X directed at then-president Mr Trump to say he would win re-election if he issued an executive order for the Justice Department to prosecute police misconduct.
That year, he also posted in support of the Democratic presidential campaign of then-US Representative Tulsi Gabbard of Hawaii, who has since left the party and endorsed Mr Trump.
12:40Will Stewart
Putin ally in crazy blame game over Trump attempted assassination
One of Putin's closest allies has made a bizarre conspiratorial claim that Ukraine organised a second assassination bid on Trump.
Dmitry Medvedev made the unsubstantiated claim on X, formerly Twitter, suggesting Sunday's attempt was "paid for" by the Ukrainian government.
The suspect, Ryan Wesley Routh, appears to have been a pro-Ukraine activist who had previously spoken to Romanian TV calling for more US arms support in the war-torn country.
One of Putin's closest allies in crazy blame game over Trump attempted assassination
Putin ally Dmitry Medvedev suggested the Ukrainian government may have sponsored the failed Donald Trump assassination plot (
Image:
Dmitry Medvedev/e2w)
12:23Benedict Tetzlaff-Deas
Ukraine foreign legion official says Routh 'full of hot air'
A former International Legion official who met Ryan Routh in Ukraine has recalled the Trump shooting suspect as being "full of s**t and hot air".
The source told the Telegraph that Routh been trying to "get involved in recruitment" and was "really only interfering", adding: "He was called out a number of times by Legion people and told to stop his shenanigans, but that didn’t seem to stop him. He was mostly quite eccentric. I could smell a mile away that he was full of s**t.”
At one point he was said to have promised "hundreds" of recruits from Afghanistan and Syria, but this never materialised.
12:02Benedict Tetzlaff-Deas
Routh appeared at pro-Ukraine rally in 2022
Trump 'shooting' suspect Ryan Wesley Routh spoke to the media two years ago while travelling in Ukraine, it has emerged.
He was seen at a demonstration in Kyiv's Independence Square, two months after Russia invaded Ukraine.
A placard he was holding said: "We cannot tolerate corruption and evil for another 50+ years. End Russia for our kids."
He wore a blue vest with the American flag on the back, along with a scarf and T-shirt in the colours of his national flag.
Ryan Wesley Routh speaking during an interview at a rally in 2022 (
Image:
AFPTV/AFP via Getty Images)
11:55Benedict Tetzlaff-Deas
'There is never a place for political violence' says Nancy Pelosi
The former US House speaker has joined the condemnation of "political violence" after the latest apparent assasination attempt on Donald Trump.
There never is a place for political violence of any kind in America.
As the investigation into today’s incident continues, let us commend law enforcement for their actions to keep the former President safe from harm.
— Nancy Pelosi (@SpeakerPelosi) September 16, 2024
11:46Benedict Tetzlaff-Deas
Keir Starmer's comments in full
The Prime Minister told broadcasters he was "very worried" about the attempted assasination attempt on Donald Trump.
Speaking during a visit to Rome, the Prime Minister added: "Obviously, there's now an investigation going on so I won't say much more about the details, but I think it is really important that we're all very, very clear that violence has no part to play at all in any political process.
"So, deeply troubled. Let the investigation take its place. But absolute clarity: violence, no place in political discussion at all, anywhere."
11:33Benedict Tetzlaff-Deas
Eight-word shock response at 'assassination bid' from suspect's son
The son of a man who allegedly attempted to assassinate Donald Trump has defended his father's "loving and caring" character.
Ryan Wesley Routh, 58, has been named as the suspect detained by cops after the incident on Sunday - but his son insists he is not violent.
Routh's shocked son, Oran, said: "It doesn't sound like the man I know."
Trump attempted shooting suspect's son's eight word shock response at 'assassination bid'
11:25Zahra Khaliq
Trump 'attempted shooting' suspect 'in armed standoff with police' more than 20 years ago
Ryan Wesley Routh has been named as the man detained by authorities after he reportedly hid in the bushes at Trump's Florida golf course on Sunday at around 1.30pm, and is accused of poking the muzzle of an AK-47 rifle through the fence.
The 58-year-old - who lives in a small town on the island of Oahu, Hawaii - has a lengthy criminal history with the North Carolina Department of Adult Correction. The majority of his crims are made up of a range of traffic offences that saw him have his driving licence revoked in 2002. But that same year, he was charged on one felony count of possessing a “weapon of mass destruction” — an automatic machine gun — and was placed on probation.
In December 2002, Greensboro News and Record in North Carolina spoke of a dramatic armed standoff that Routh had with police after being pulled over for a traffic stop.
When confronted, he “put his hand on a firearm”, fled the scene, and then proceeded to barricade himself for three hours inside the building of a roofing business where he worked at the time. He also faced felony charges for possessing stolen goods back in 2010.
Trump 'attempted shooting' suspect 'in armed standoff with police' more than 20 years ago
10:48Susie Beever
Trump 'attempted assassination' bid 'deeply disturbed' rival Kamala Harris
Kamala Harris was left "deeply disturbed" after news of a second alleged assassination attempt on Donald Trump in as many months.
The Vice President and Trump's opponent in the upcoming US elections said on X she was "thankful" her rival was safe after shots were fire at Trump International Golf Course on Sunday.
The former president had been golfing when a patrolling Secret Service member spotted the barrel of a rifle poking through a nearby fence and shot at the assailant, sending him fleeing. Suspect Ryan Wesley Routh was later arrested in neighbouring Martin County.
Trump 'attempted assassination' bid 'deeply disturbed' presidential rival Kamala Harris
Kamala Harris has spoken out about the incident (
Image:
Getty Images)
10:33Benedict Tetzlaff-Deas
'Attempted assassination' bid second by second
Donald Trump escaped unharmed after another alleged attempted assassination attempt yesterday - but it could have been a lot worse for the former US president.
Major questions remain for the security services today about how a man with a rifle was able to get so close to the 2024 nominee after the assailant was spotted hiding behind the fence of Trump International Golf Club in West Palm Beach, Florida. Ryan Wesley Routh, 58, has been arrested in connection with the incident, according to US media.
Posts from his now-removed social media accounts suggested he was deeply interested in US and international politics, and he had previously flown to Ukraine to help fight against Russia.
Trump 'attempted assassination' bid second by second - how 'shooting' unfolded
10:20KEY EVENT
All we know on Trump 'attempted assassination' shooting suspect
Ryan Wesley Routh has been named as the man detained by authorities after the latest alleged assassination attempt on Donald Trump.
The 58-year-old, who lives in a small town on the island of Oahu, Hawaii, reportedly hid in the bushes at Trump's Florida golf course on Sunday at around 1.30pm, where an AK-47 rifle was found poking through a fence line.
In a press conference at 5pm, Palm Beach Sheriff Rick Bradshaw said the suspect was apprehended by Secret Service agents on I-95 after being spotted running out of bushes and jumping into a black Nissan SUV.
"After that we took the witness and he identified him as the person seen running out of the bushes and jumping into a car," Bradshaw said. Two law enforcement officials said the Secret Service opened fire after spotting the suspect with the firearm.
Trump has since said he is "safe and well" following the incident and declared he will "always love" his supporters.
All we know on Trump 'attempted assassination' shooting suspect
10:14Benedict Tetzlaff-Deas
Keir Starmer reacts to Trump assassination attempt
Keir Starmer - who is meeting Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni this morning - told reporters he is "very troubled" by the incident at Trump's golf course.
"Violence has no part to play in any political process", he added.
09:53Benedict Tetzlaff-Deas
Kremlin-linked Russian TV channels focus on shooter's Ukraine support
Russian TV channels connected to the Kremlin have been emphasising Ryan Routh's apparent support of Ukraine in their broadcasts since yesterday's shooting.
The 58-year-old had made numerous pro-Ukraine posts on his now-removed social media accounts, and had travelled to the war-torn country, where he said he wanted to fight.
A presenter on Rossiya 1 said: "He actively supports Ukraine, has previously travelled to Kyiv, and has attempted to recruit mercenaries [to fight in Ukraine],"
Another channel described him as a supporter of the "Zelensky regime" and a "recruiter of mercenaries".
09:30Benedict Tetzlaff-Deas
Ryan Routh arrested for having 'weapon of mass destruction' in 2002
Amid the accusations against Ryan Wesley Routh, the man who allegedly conducted an "attempted assassination" against former President Donald Trump on Sunday, it was reported that a man of the same name was arrested and charged with possessing a weapon of mass destruction in 2002.
It has not yet been confirmed whether the Ryan Routh who was charged with the crime — which was accompanied by a charge of carrying a concealed weapon — is the same Ryan Routh who was reportedly arrested on Sunday for attempting to assassinate Trump.
But the ages and locations seem to fit hauntingly well with what's known about the man accused of poking the muzzle of an AK-47 through the fence at Trump International Golf Club West Palm Beach at approximately 1:30 p.m. on Sunday.
Man named Ryan Routh arrested for having 'weapon of mass destruction' in 2002
09:11Benedict Tetzlaff-Deas
Nigel Farage reacts to Trump attempted shooting
Nigel Farage - who flew over to "support" Trump just days after being elected this summer following the previous assassination attempt - has tweeted about the latest incident this morning.
He wrote: "Another attempt on Trump’s life. This is truly appalling."
09:01Susie Beever
Everything we know so far on second Trump shooting attempt
Authorities in Florida say they have arrested a man after an apparent assassination attempt on former president Donald Trump.
The Republican candidate had been playing a round of golf at Trump International Golf Course at West Palm Beach on Sunday when gunshots were heard.
The suspect, later identified as Ryan Wesley Routh, was reportedly found hidden in bushes when he was shot at by US Secret Service, although it's unclear whether he himself had fired shots.
The shock news comes nine weeks after the assassination attempt on Trump during a rally in Butler, Pennsylvania, in which gunman Thomas Matthew Crooks was gunned down. The Trump campaign later released a statement at around 7.30pm UK time to confirm the 78-year-old was "safe following gunshots in his vicinity".
An AK-47 assault rifle, scope, two backpacks and GoPro camera were recovered from the scene on Sunday, Palm Beach County sheriff Ric Bradshaw said in a news conference following the shooting. Routh, 58, was taken into custody for questioning.
Trump 'assassination bid' - Everything we know so far on second shooting attempt
Donald Trump and 58-year-old suspect Ryan Routh
08:36Benedict Tetzlaff-Deas
Fears over more 'copycats' after second apparent assassination attempt
Yesterday's apparent attempt on Donald Trump's life is the second in only three months - prompting fears of an escalating cycle political violence in the US.
Robert McDonald, a senior Secret Service member who used to work for US President Joe Biden, told BBC Radio 4's Today programme: "Copycats are who we are worried about now. Thankfully, so far, injuries have been minimal but the bigger concern now is is somebody going to get a tiny bit closer? Is somebody going to have another high-powered rifle? Is somebody going to be able to inflict some serious damage?"
08:29Benedict Tetzlaff-Deas
Suspect's 'den' uncovered by police
A press conference held at West Palm Beach, Florida, in the hours after the attempted shooting showed pictures of evidence found at the fence surrounding US president Donald Trump's golf course.
A small 'den' containing bags, a GoPro camera and a AK-47-style rifle were found there, according to police.
Pictures of evidence found at the fence of US president Donald Trump's golf course (
Image:
AFP via Getty Images)
08:19Benedict Tetzlaff-Deas
Trump assassination attempt suspect Ryan Routh pictured
Another picture has emerged of Ryan Wesley Routh, who was arrested in connection with the security incident at Trump's Flordia golf course yesterday.
The 58-year-old suspect remains in custody today, according to US media.
Ryan Wesley Routh, 58, has been identified as the suspect
08:10KEY EVENT
Routh 'previously expressed support for Trump but later backed Kamala Harris'
Many of Ryan Routh's tweets in recent years have been about his support for Ukraine - but when it comes to domestic US politics, he appears to have changed his political positions multiple times.
In June 2020, he made a post on X directed at then-president Mr Trump to say he would win re-election if he issued an executive order for the Justice Department to prosecute police misconduct.
That year, he also posted in support of the Democratic presidential campaign of then-US Representative Tulsi Gabbard of Hawaii, who has since left the party and endorsed Mr Trump.
However, in recent years, his posts suggest he had turned on Mr Trump, and he expressed support for President Joe Biden and vice president Kamala Harris.
In July, following the assassination attempt on Mr Trump in Pennsylvania, Routh urged Mr Biden and Ms Harris to visit those wounded in the shooting at the hospital and to attend the funeral of a former fire chief killed at the rally.
Voter records show he registered as an unaffiliated voter in North Carolina in 2012, most recently voting in person during the state's Democratic Party primary in March 2024.
07:59Benedict Tetzlaff-Deas
FBI agents at Trump's Florida golf course
Investigative teams from the Federal Bureau of Investigation scoured the area around Trump International Golf Club after an apparent assassination attempt on Donald Trump yesterday.
The golf club is around five minutes' drive from the former US President and 2024 nominee's residence at Mar-a-Lago.
FBI and police outside the Trump International Golf Club (
Image:
Getty Images)
07:51Benedict Tetzlaff-Deas
Unclear whether gunman fired weapon
Though reports from the area said that gunshots were heard around the time of the arrest, it remains to be confirmed whether this formed part of the Secret Service's response to the identified threat - or if some of these shots came from suspect Ryan Routh.
The suspect was around 300 to 500 yards from Donald Trump when he was spotted with an AK-47 outside his golf course, local police said.